Researcher Information
Cheng Glen
glenccheng@gmail.com (123) 456-7891
The information provided below is for MIT researchers' use and is subject to change by EHS. For our legal disclaimer please see - http://ehs.mit.edu/site/content/legal-disclaimer
Agent Characteristics
Staphylococcus aureus
RG 2
Bacteria
Yes   Yes        
Family: Staphylococcaceae. Gram-positive, catalase positive cocci, nonmotile, non-spore-forming, facultative anaerobes. Many strains produce staphylococcal enterotoxins, the superantigen toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1). Part of the human flora most commonly found in the nose and skin.Antibiotic resistant strains include MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
HumansAnimals
Cut/ Needlestick / Non-intact skinIngestionMucous Membranes
Infectious dose: At least 100,000 organisms in humans. Incubation time: 30 minutes to 8 hours. Colonies of S. aureus can be carried for an undetermined amount of time; some individuals may carry it chronically, and some may carry it intermittently.
Health Hazards
Skin lesions and rashes are caused by superficial infection.  Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be present, usually resolving after 24 hours.  Some strains of S. aureus produce TSST-1 antigen causing toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is severe and causes high fever, vascular collapse, hypotension, and involvement of multiple organisms.  Mortality is high, and death may occur within hours. 
None available
None available
Treatment depends on the type of disease and the drug sensitivity profile of the strain. Monitor closely for the development of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Containment
BSL 2
ABSL2
Viability
10% household bleach (~0.5% sodium hypochlorite)70% ethanolActivated hydrogen peroxide (PREempt, Rescue)Quaternary ammonia (Quatricide, sklar, Lysol spray, etc.)Phenolic (Vesphene II)hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid (Peridox)Fresh 2% glutaraldehyde (Gluterate / CIDEX)
250°C for 30 min or 220°C for 6h. Enterotoxins are resistant to temperatures that would destroy the bacilli.
Can survive outside the host for days to several months.
Ingestion, accidental injection, inhalation, direct contact with contaminated material.
PPE/Containment
Wear gloves, lab coat, and appropriate lab attire (pants/long dress, closed toed shoes); eye protection, e.g. safety glasses, safety goggles recommended for liquids. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs for handling Staphylococcus aureus.
Biosafety cabinet recommended for procedures that can generate aerosols or splashes, Minimize use of sharps
Spill Procedures
Notify others working in the lab.  Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE.  Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA approved disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center.  Allow 10 minutes of contact time. Cleanup spill materials and dispose as biowaste. Surface disinfect 5-10 minutes. Remove PPE and wash hands.
For large volume spills or biological spills in a public area, contact MIT's Biosafety Program or the EHS office (617-452-3477) during normal business hours.  If the spill occurs after hours or on weekends, activate the EHS ON CALL system by dialing Operations 3-4948 (617-253-4948) or MIT Police by dialing 100 from a campus phone or 617-253-1212 from a mobile phone.
Exposure Procedures
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.
Wash area with soap and water and rinse/scrub for 5-10 minutes.
Immediately report incident to supervisor, PI, or EHS Representative. PI/supervisor must submit incident report in Atlas within 24 hours.
Medical Follow-up
9:00am-4:00pm, weekdays:
contact MIT Occupational Health:
Phone: 617-253-8552
Address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
website		 8:00am-8:00pm, weekdays
10:00am-4:00pm, weekends
MIT Health Urgent Care
phone: 617-253-1311
address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
Or call MIT Police 617-253-1212		 Emergencies:
Call 100 from a campus phone or
617-253-1212 from a mobile phone
Additional comments
For MRSA strains Biosafety cabinet is mandatory
References
Created on March 17, 2021 at 10:32 AM (EDT). Last updated by Zhong, Lu on Nov. 19, 2025 at  5:22 PM (EST). Owned by Zhong, Lu.
Lu Zhong
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